The HCRC combines faculty members, students, facilities, and expertise from several Virginia institutions to develop effective management strategies for horseshoe crabs. Researchers are conducting studies on population changes, biomedical industry impact, and shorebird interactions to inform conservation efforts.
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) has been awarded a $3 million grant to study driver behavior leading up to crashes and near-crashes in Northern Virginia. The project aims to provide detailed data on events leading up to crashes, bridging gaps in knowledge about pre-crash and conflict behaviors of drivers.
Hochella will analyze samples from acid-mine drainage sites in Germany and the US using advanced equipment to develop better models of metal transport. This work aims to improve understanding of toxic-metal-bearing phases and their distribution in drainage systems.
A four-year project led by Virginia Tech aims to investigate the social and economic effects of agricultural biotechnologies. The study will examine the distributional effects of early adopters versus late adopters, as well as the impact on producers and consumers.
The study, conducted by Virginia Tech researchers, analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. It found that regular soft drink consumption was not associated with dental cavities among adolescents, young adults, or older adults.
A Virginia Tech student has made significant discoveries about air bubbles in drinking water, which can interfere with treatment processes and lead to pathogen contamination. The research is being used to identify problems at two California water treatment plants and has the potential to prevent water-borne diseases.
Researchers at VBI are developing software to integrate metabolomics data with gene expression and proteomics, enabling scientists to pinpoint the exact function of genes and proteins. The collaboration with Phenomenome aims to create a global understanding of biological systems from a dynamic perspective.
Researchers confirm a high degree of asymmetry between matter and antimatter, consistent with the Standard Model Theory. The finding sheds light on why the universe is made mostly of matter.
Researchers at Virginia Tech use in-situ infrared spectroscopy to observe and control the synthesis of carbon fiber precursors. The study demonstrates the benefits of real-time observation in enhancing reactivity and efficiency in the conversion process.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed new proton exchange membrane (PEM) polymer nanocomposites that can withstand higher temperatures, making them suitable for more efficient fuel cells. The new materials use hetropolyacids to retain water molecules at higher temperatures, providing a mechanism for conductivity.
Virginia Tech researchers have made a breakthrough in creating polymers that can be reversed using heat, opening up new possibilities for thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and novel adhesives. The team synthesized nano-phase separated polystyrene and polyisoprene based materials containing reversible linkages.
Virginia Tech biochemist White identifies 200 genes responsible for coenzyme formation in Methanococcus jannaschi, an ancient Archaea bacteria. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of metabolic processes in these unique organisms.
Chemists are using statistical design of experiments and parallel reactors to improve the creation of polymers. This approach enables the efficient production of novel elastomers by determining the optimal reaction conditions. By doing so, researchers can generate predictive models and discover new materials.
Scientists have developed a new block copolymer structure that increases the conductive monomer without weakening the polymer strength. This breakthrough enables better proton conductivity and lower water uptake compared to random copolymers of similar composition.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing a 'prodrug' to deliver neuroprotective compounds to the brain, overcoming limited solubility issues. The approach aims to inhibit monoamine oxidases and neuronal nitric oxide synthase enzymes involved in Parkinson's disease.
Virginia Tech researchers are developing methodology to relate membrane performance to intrinsic polymer properties of microphase separation, water absorption, and proton conductivity. The goal is to produce PEMS that perform well in a wide range of fuel cell environments.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed ultra-thin heat protective coatings for rockets and microelectronics by studying hybrid organic/inorganic molecules. The coatings, which are less than two nanometers thick, offer improved fuel efficiency and weight reduction in space applications.
Virginia Tech researchers have created a Selective Ion Trap (SIT) device that can capture and preserve chromium six in the field, enabling faster and more accurate analysis of contaminated groundwater. The device uses a plastic membrane to trap chromium six without allowing it to transform into less reactive forms.
Researchers found that feeding hot pepper oil to chickens increases resistance to Salmonella enteritidis without adverse effects on feed consumption or taste. The oil causes mild inflammation in the intestines, making it difficult for the bacteria to bind and invade the body.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have demonstrated improved fuel cell materials and systems, enabling operation at higher temperatures. The team will receive $2 million in grants to develop next-generation polymer electrolyte membranes and membrane electrode assemblies.
A Virginia Tech accounting professor has received a research award for his contributions to government accountability and financial reporting. His research, which spans 19 years, has influenced the development of guidelines on entity identification in government financial statements.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a way to stimulate the production of Vitamin C in lettuce and other plants using rat genes. This breakthrough could lead to longer shelf life and improved nutrition, particularly in developing countries where access to fresh produce is limited.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are conducting animal trials to test a new compound against breast cancer, which strengthens the immune system. The project aims to determine the involvement of the immune system in the drug's cancer-killing ability and assess its effectiveness in treating breast cancer in humans.
Virginia Tech researchers are exploring a plant-based approach to produce a human enzyme for treating Type 2 diabetes. The project aims to create a transgenic plant that can cheaply produce D-chiro inositol, which is currently synthesized through expensive and painful processes.
A new sensing device developed by Virginia Tech engineers is set to reduce energy consumption and emissions in various industries. The self-calibrated interferometric/intensity based sensor has several advantages over existing semiconductor pressure sensors, including higher resolution and accuracy.
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that stimulating a mother's immune system can increase growth factors in the fetus, reducing birth defects. The study suggests a new role for maternal immunity in fetal development, potentially unlocking secrets to reversing certain birth defects.
Measuring horizontal strain is crucial for understanding how aquifers respond to pumping, as it affects both vertical and horizontal compression. Scientists have found that aquifer compression occurs in a horizontal direction, leading to land subsidence.
As people age, they experience a decrease in muscle strength, but an increase in endurance. To address this issue, Maury Nussbaum and Laura Wojcik are conducting a study to understand how tasks can be adjusted to accommodate older workers' work capacity.
A study by Richard Weyers predicts that the US bridge transportation system alone will require a trillion dollar investment. The expert warns that epoxy-coated reinforcing steel is prone to corrosion, especially when used in saltwater environments.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed mathematical formulas to reduce vibrations on spacecraft, enabling autonomous decision-making without human programming. The technology will be tested on the International Space Station, which is currently under construction with a budget of $50 billion and expected completion in five years.
Researchers used satellite images, fossils, and radiocarbon dating to estimate the prehistoric productivity of the Colorado River Delta. The study found that shellfish production declined by 20-fold due to human diversion of the river's flow.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that despite corrosion, the lead in bullets and shot remains trapped in mineral coatings, reducing environmental risk at shooting ranges. High concentrations of lead have been found on ranges worldwide, raising concerns about toxicity and environmental impact.
Studies found that up to 70% of stream respiration and 10-50% of nitrate uptake occur in hyporheic zones, which retain more nitrogen. This process may be a crucial player in global nitrogen dynamics.
Scientists have developed a new method to date marine animals beyond mollusks, using brachiopods to reconstruct the Earth's environment over thousands of years. This breakthrough provides a unique record of past environmental changes and human effects on the oceans.
A new book series, interCONNECTIONS, aims to capture the attention of girls ages 8-11 and maintain their interest in math and science. The series features interactive, modular toys/boardgames that bring intangible concepts to life through metaphors and physical connections.
A team of Virginia Tech chemists and colleagues have created a family of fullerene molecules that break the sacrosanct isolated-pentagon rule. The new structure has only 68 carbon atoms, which are stabilized by three metal atoms, allowing for a molecular cluster of four atoms to be encapsulated.
Scientists at Virginia Tech have discovered a crucial mechanism behind the growth of calcium carbonate crystals, which help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The research could lead to novel materials with unique properties for medical and high-tech applications.
Frank S. Quinn, a professor of mathematics at Virginia Tech, has been recognized as an AAAS fellow for his contributions to low-dimensional topology. He is the first person to prove the 4-dimensional annulus conjecture, a theoretical work that aims to understand mathematical structures and potentially connect with high-energy physics.
Kriton Hatzios, a renowned plant scientist at Virginia Tech, has been awarded the prestigious AAAS Fellow Award. He is recognized for his outstanding contributions to understanding the mechanisms of herbicide action and selectivity in crops.
A new molecular diagnostics laboratory at Virginia Tech aims to investigate the genetic foundations of disease in horses and its implications for humans. The lab will focus on four major projects, including studying environmental toxins, COPD, osteoarthritis, and diabetes-related complications.
The human organs shortage is raising complex questions about who should receive transplants, how to balance costs against medical needs, and the ethics of extending individual lives. A forum on 'Reinventing the Human: The Six Million Dollar Body' will explore these issues and provide a platform for public debate.
The book, Women Becoming Mathematicians, examines how women in mathematics developed their identity from childhood to retirement. The author interviewed 36 female mathematicians who earned Ph.D.s between 1940-1959 and analyzed historical documents.
Researchers investigate use and social impacts of Blacksburg Electronic Village through community surveys, interviews, and psychological scales. They aim to understand the role of community networks in shaping local business activities and public decision-making.
The Learning 2000 conference at Virginia Tech will discuss the pluses and minuses of building virtual universities, featuring experts from around the world. Topics include social issues, learning system vendors, philosophical approaches, and best practices in virtual university instruction.
The Virginia Tech IREN program will provide fellowships for graduate students in engineering, computer science, economics, and business, focusing on broadband wireless access, mobile internet, and network security. The program aims to make the Internet accessible globally, with the goal of revolutionizing networking.
A new interactive multimedia tutorial for woody plant identification has been released by Kendall/Hunt Publishing. The software includes 9,500 color photographs and scientifically tested to increase identification skills among users.
Researchers at Virginia Tech and the University of Cadiz have developed a method to extract antioxidants from grape seeds using carbon dioxide, producing an extract with greater potency without toxic chemicals. The new process takes 25% less time and can be fully automated.
Researchers develop a new method to fabricate optoelectronic devices using Fullerenes and positively charged polymers, generating a current from a negatively charged Fullerene and a positively charged polymer. This process creates a photovoltaic device without the use of toxic solvents or expensive instruments, under ambient conditions.
Agricultural copper transport and toxicity in runoff from tomato fields to estuaries remains a significant concern, with sedimentation basins offering only partial solutions. Researchers found that even with reduced copper concentrations, bioavailable forms still pose harm to aquatic life.
Virginia Tech researchers have made advances in creating biocompatible magnetic fluids to treat retinal detachment. The new material, made of silicone magnetic nanoparticles, can be injected into the sclera and used with a magnetized buckle to push the retina back against the underlying choroid.